It’s no secret that lower school art instructor Amanda Morris has a gift for helping her students blossom as young artists. Mrs. Morris prides herself in helping her students at the start of a project but ultimately allowing them the freedom to explore their creativity as they progress with a project. She is known for giving her students the freedom to execute large scale art projects with guidance, but little to no physical intervention. A largely unknown fact however is Morris’ ability to incorporate other subject matter into her art lessons.

“I think it’s important for our students to discuss and understand the history behind some of our art projects before they begin to explore and create their work. As we started this final lesson in art class at the beginning of May, we began discussing Memorial Day and the importance of the many sacrifices of our veterans and service men and women. These are sacrifices that are made on a daily basis to keep our freedom intact. We talked a lot about the American Revolution, watched the changing of the guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, discussed WWI, and eventually studied ‘In Flanders Fields’ by John McCrae,” described Morris.

As the students studied McCrae’s expression of creativity through his poetry, Morris decided to settle on the poppy as the subject of this year’s final art project. “What began as a simple project to round out the year turned in to one of the most beautiful collections of art I’ve seen this year. I was so impressed with their artwork, I knew we had to find a way to display it to our parents and our community,” recalled Morris.

In honor of Memorial Day and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, we present our final gallery of the 2016-2017 school year.

 

First Grade

 

Second Grade

Third Grade

Fourth Grade

Fifth Grade

Sixth Grade

Eighth Grade